VIDEO: Hundreds pay their respects at service for Jeremy Birch in Hastings

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Published:10:57Sunday 21 June 2015

Hundreds of residents, councillors, community leaders and dignitaries gathered in Warrior Square Gardens yesterday (Saturday, June 20) to pay their respects to late council leader Jeremy Birch.

At a special memorial service, which included dancing and music, as well as a firework display at the end, people gave moving tributes to the councillor who died last month.

Jeremy Birch pictured on the East Hill steps, 2/1/14. SUS-150621-090725001

Council leader Peter Chowney said: “Jeremy was a true son of Hastings and always fought for what was right and good. He was an amazing orator and a true socialist.”

Former MP Michael Foster said: “Jeremy galvanized a new generation of activists. He had a big personality but never a big ego. He was a man at ease with himself, a man who enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and a man with a sharp sense of humour. Hastings has lost a son who is irreplaceable but his legacy will be remembered for a very long time.”